New York ? Better-than-expected April retail sales sent stocks sharply higher Tuesday, extending Wall Street’s winning streak to two sessions, as investors grew more confident about consumer spending.

The Dow Jones industrials surged nearly 190 points, its third triple-digit finish in five trading days.

Volume was also heavy, suggesting that investors were feeling more confident about stocks.

Investors also were pleased by better-than-expected quarterly results from two big retailers. Wal-Mart rose $2.35 to $57.39 on first-quarter earnings that rose 19.4 percent from a year ago. Higher-than-expected first-quarter earnings also boosted J.C. Penney up $1.69 to $24.89.

Home improvement retailer Home Depot rose $2.36 to $47.98.

Technology stocks also fared well. Intel surged $1.63 to $30.15 after an analyst at Robertson Stephens upgraded the chipmaker.